The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 20

Kaiser KuoAugust 28, 2017Comments Off on The Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, episode 20

Welcome to the 20th installment of the Caixin-Sinica Business Brief, a weekly podcast that brings you the most important business stories of the week from China’s top source for business and financial news. Produced by Kaiser Kuo of our Sinica Podcast, it includes a business news roundup, conversations with Caixin reporters and editors, and a selection of complete stories from the week’s news, read by Kaiser and Sinica rotating co-host Ada Shen.

This week, we learn about a high-speed railway linking China and Thailand, whose construction is set to begin in October after two years of setbacks and delays. We look at why BYD Auto Co. Ltd., one of China’s leading electric-vehicle (EV) makers, says it plans to launch “mini and small-size” EVs within two years. We investigate why South Korean carmakers in China are running empty. We explore the proposed lifting of restrictions by China’s aviation authority to limit the number of Chinese airlines allowed to operate international routes from China to key destinations in certain countries. We study the news that a privately run website for military buffs is getting a big state salute with an investment by state media People’s Daily. We examine how China’s restaurant-meal-delivery industry is being shaken up by a long-anticipated buyout that leaves just two main contenders in the booming market. We analyze how a patient who complained about “tasteless food” at a public hospital was detained by the police and why China’s netizens are outraged by what they call “police overkill” in suppressing voices online.

In addition, we talk to Caixin senior editor Doug Young about China’s high-speed trains and the recent move by Ford Motor Co. to form an electric-car joint venture with China’s Zotye Automobile. We also chat with Caixin reporter Li Rongde 李荣德 about a deeply disturbing story on how young boys are being recruited for paid fights.

We’d love to hear your feedback on this product. Please send any comments and suggestions to sinica@supchina.com.

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